A09443:153
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the Revelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine, master William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of DivinityA godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie
London: printed by Adam Islip for Cuthbert Burbie, 1606
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now Christ is here entitled, Prince of the kings of the earth in two respects: First, because he (and he alone) as Mediator, can give laws to bind the consciences of men; yea of the greatest Monarch in the world. Secondly, because he hath sovereign power over all kings and potentates, as well as over others, to save, and to destroy: for not only hath he power to make a law to bind their consciences; but also if they keep it, to save them: if they break his law, he hath power to destroy them, be they what they may be. He hath the keys of heaven, and of hell, to open, and to shut at his pleasure. Revel. 3.7. He can, if he will, lead them to life, and save them; or else leave them to their own mind, and so destroy them. Hence arise sundry instructions.
Now Christ is here entituled, Prince of the kings of the earth in two respects: First, because he (and he alone) as Mediator, can giue lawes to bind the consciences of men; yea of the greatest Monarch in the world. Secondly, because he hath soueraigne power ouer all kings and potentates, as well as ouer others, to saue, and to destroy: for not onely hath hee power to make a law to bind their consciences; but also if they keepe it, to saue them: if they breake his law, hee hath power to destroy them, bee they what they may bee. Hee hath the keyes of heauen, and of hell, to open, and to shut at his pleasure. Reuel. 3.7. He can, if he will, lead them to life, and saue them; or els leaue them to their owne mind, and so destroy them. Hence arise sundry instructions.
First, seeing our Saviour Christ is a prince of the greatest Monarchs of the world, and is far above them: we must then with all fear and trembling reverence his high majesty. Great is that reverence which men yield to earthly princes: Oh then what reverence should we perform to him which is prince and Lord of all the kings of the earth? We cannot conceive, what honour we owe unto him, which is advanced in the throne of all majesty. And this our reverence we must show, by hearing his word, with trembling and believing hearts, as Isay saith, cap. 66.2. We must not dare to think, or speak of Christ, without great reverence: At his name every knee must bow; that is, at the consideration of the great majesty whereto he is now exalted, every heart, even of the greatest Monarchs, should be touched with submission, awe, and reverence. If this took place in mens hearts, the name of Christ would not be so profaned and blasphemed as it is; in easting sports, in cursing, and swearing, whereby men toss it like a ball, without all reverence to so great a prince as is the king of kings.